Daily Archives: April 4, 2024

Nestled among the rolling hills of the Galilee, Safed (Tzfat) is not just a city—it’s a voyage into a vibrant tapestry of art, history, and culture. Known as the Artist City, Safed is Israel’s highest city, both in altitude and, arguably, in spiritual elevation.

This hidden gem invites travelers to explore its cobblestone alleys, history, and bustling artists’ quarters, each telling a story of creativity and resilience. But Safed’s allure doesn’t stop at its galleries; the surrounding region is also famed for its exquisite wineries, offering a taste of Israel’s rich viticultural heritage.

The Artist City: A Canvas of Colors and Creativity
Safed’s Artist Quarter is a vibrant heart that beats with creativity at every corner. As you wander its narrow, winding streets, you’re greeted by a kaleidoscope of galleries and workshops where local artists and craftsmen display their talents.

From mystical Kabbalistic art to contemporary pieces, the diversity of styles is a testament to the city’s rich artistic legacy. The air is thick with inspiration, making it impossible not to feel the muse’s presence that has attracted creatives for decades.

Among the must-visit spots is the General Exhibition, a showcase of Safed’s artistic diversity. Here, the works of local artists are displayed in harmony, offering a panoramic view of the city’s creative soul.

Another highlight is the Artists’ Colony, a cluster of studios where you can watch artists at work and find a piece that speaks to you, whispering tales of mystical Safed.

Exploring Safed’s Artistic Soul: The Artists’ Quarter
Dubbed the “Bohemian Center of Israel,” the Artists’ Quarter of Safed beckons art enthusiasts and those with a passing interest in the aesthetic, inviting them into a realm of creativity and splendor.

Home to some of Israel’s most renowned and celebrated artists, this vibrant area is a testament to the rich artistic heritage that flows through its veins. Perched above the Artists’ Quarter, on the ascent to Safed’s mountain summit, lie the historic British Mandate buildings, marked by the scars of the 1948 War of Independence.

These bullet-pocked facades starkly remind visitors of the fierce battles over this land. Returning to the mountaintop, visitors reach Safed’s Citadel, now adorned with an IDF monument commemorating the hard-fought victory unfolding here. This monument embeds deep historical significance into the picturesque landscape.

A Taste of the Land: Vineyards and Wineries
The Galilee region unfolds in a patchwork of vineyards, each telling a story of flavor and tradition. The cool climate and rich soil here produce wines of exceptional quality, making a wine tour an essential part of any visit to Safed.

Wineries around Safed range from boutique family-run estates to larger, internationally acclaimed names. Each offers a unique insight into the winemaking process, from grape cultivation to the art of aging.

Tastings are not just about savoring the wine; they’re an education in the subtleties of flavor, aroma, and terroir. It’s an opportunity to connect with the land and its people, understanding how each bottle tells the story of Israel’s rich, varied landscape.

Vintner’s Vision: Wine as a Path to Redemption
The art of winemaking, intertwined with the concept of “Geula” (Redemption) for the Nation, might not be the first thought that comes to mind while savoring a glass of exquisite wine.

However, this profound connection is precisely the insight Moshe Alon, proprietor of the Old Tzfat Winery, shares with visitors to his boutique winery in the heart of Tzfat’s Old City.

Moshe’s venture into winemaking began during his studies at the Or Yakar yeshiva in Tzfat. A friend’s invitation to a winemaking course led by the esteemed Dr. Arkady Papkayan, founder of the Dalton Winery, set Moshe on his path.

Following the course, Moshe began winemaking in his home in the ancient Jewish Quarter of Tzfat. By 1996, the idea of commercializing his wine took root, albeit the process initially proved simple with the necessary equipment.

Moshe amusingly recounts how forty yeshiva students assisted with unloading grapes, and a dozen more joined in the traditional foot-stomping method of crushing them. The reputation of Moshe’s wines flourished, leading to significant investments in modern winemaking technology.

Today, his winery boasts an annual production of over 20,000 bottles, featuring premium selections of Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and both dry and sweet Merlot, distinguished by the use of select grapes rather than leftovers.

Journey from Grape to Elegance
Moshe currently sources his grapes from local farms but is nurturing a vineyard north of Tzfat. He explains the significance of the ‘Orlah’ law from tradition, which mirrors broader agricultural wisdom about fruit tree maturation.

This vineyard is poised to yield its inaugural harvest by 2010. Grapes will be picked before Rosh HaShana and aged in an ancient well beneath Moshe’s home, adjacent to the winery.

The winemaking season kicks off in the fall, with local students often participating, providing a hands-on learning experience. While Moshe dedicates his mornings to the winery and evenings to vineyard care, he also finds time to host tours and tastings, during which he elucidates the spiritual significance of wine.

He draws parallels between the winemaking process and the people’s journey toward their ultimate redemption, hoping to enlighten visitors about the quality of his wines and their sacred and mystical dimensions within culture and traditions.

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